Carr Hall Castle, West Yorkshire today became one of the first 100 companies across the UK to be awarded a new Chartermark declaring it is fit to welcome Chinese visitors.

The GREAT China Welcome Charter is a new initiative from VisitBritain to make Britain the destination of choice for the rapidly-growing Chinese market. Visitors from China have doubled in the last five years and tourism bosses hope they will treble again by 2020.

The new Charter will help Chinese visitors easily identify hotels, attractions, retailers and tour operators that are making themselves ‘China-ready’ by providing information in Chinese and adapting their products for the market.

Carr Hall Castle qualified as one of the first Charter members because in collaboration with The Royale Classical Hotel Collection and with advice from Six Degrees Consultancy guests have access to mandarin websites and welcome literature. Guest information sheets including details of local reputable Chinese restaurants, Chinese supermarkets, HSBC Bank locations and shopping information. In addition to luxury welcome packs, robes and slippers Chinese guests are provided with Chinese branded tea, soft drinks and dry noodles. Chinese guests also have access to translation and interpreter services.

Nicola Davis, General Manager said, “We pride ourselves on providing very high standards of service to all our customers and the Chinese are no exception. We are experiencing strong interest from China who seem to particularly enjoy our private location, exclusive use of the luxury historic Castle and easy access to fantastic shopping in Leeds and Manchester. We have also hosted beautiful weddings for Chinese couples”

Sandie Dawe, Chief Executive of VisitBritain, said, “There is strong evidence that businesses who go the extra mile in catering for certain nationalities quickly reap the benefits. Carr Hall Castle is a great example of a luxury accommodation provider which has been quick to recognise the massive potential of the Chinese market and invested accordingly. We’re delighted to be able to count them as one of our first 100 members and hope that many more British tourism and hospitality businesses will follow their example.”